Ginetta releases official renderings of new G55

The Ginetta G50 has so far been the star of the Ginetta GT Supercup, a one-make support series for the British Touring Car Championship. There's a brighter star on the way next year, though, when Ginetta introduces the G55. The new car will compete alongside the G50 in next year's races but in its own class and with separate a points system and podium ceremony.

To go along with its more aggressive looks and aero, the G55's Ford engine is 3.7 liters instead of the G50's 3.5, and it puts out 370 horsepower - 70 horses more than the G50. Other tweaks include beefier brakes front and back and a new exhaust. Current G50 owners can upgrade to the G55 for £25,000 ($39,219 U.S.), or privateers can buy the car new for £75,000 ($117,661 U.S.).

Ginetta's latest will be publicly unveiled at Autosport International on January 13 in Birmingham, England. Follow the jump for the press release, and get a couple of glimpses in the gallery of images below.

Ginetta today announces exciting new plans to shake up the BTCC-supporting series, previously known as the Michelin Ginetta G50 Cup - unveiling the new Michelin sponsored Ginetta GT Supercup in which both the G50 and its highly-anticipated sister car the G55 will be eligible to compete.

The radical move from Ginetta Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson, is set to emulate the class structure in other worldwide GT championships such as the Le Mans Series, ALMS and British GT and competitors will benefit from having a separate points system and podiums.

The launch of the Ginetta G55, which Tomlinson first alluded to in October, will be made at Autosport International on January 13th where exhibition-goers will be able to see for the first time the new 370bhp machine. The car will also boast a 3.7 litre Ford engine, Hewland gearbox, cool air induction kit, up-rated front and rear brakes, new exhaust system and stunning new bodywork with improved aerodynamics. Retail price has been set at £75,000.

Teams running the current Ginetta G50, which has won multiple GT4 championships worldwide, will be able to upgrade their existing car to the new G55 for £25,000 or take advantage of a new part-exchange system. The 2011 G50 will run at 300bhp with a 3.5 litre Ford engine, Hewland gearbox and cool air induction kit.

Entry fees for the new 2011 Ginetta GT Supercup will be:
· £9,750 + VAT for a G50
· £11,750 + VAT for the G55

Ginetta Boss, Tomlinson said of the new changes commented: "The G50 has dominated GT4 since its launch 2 years ago and proved itself as a real stepping stone into the GT4 arena. By introducing the G55 into the new Ginetta GT Supercup, I want to broaden Ginetta's offering to all drivers expanding our career ladder even further and highlight a real route into GT3 - whilst still providing an affordable way to enjoy top level racing."

Anyone wanting more information on how to enter the Ginetta GT Supercup should contact Stewart Linn on 0113 3854165 or Simon Finnis on 0113 3854148.